Cannot be Destroyed

          You alertly rise in the morning as your alarm clock bursts into tunes of nuisance noises and irritating melodies. It’s now time to start your early morning routine rituals. You brush your teeth, comb your hair, get dressed and you’re on your way to doing exactly what you did yesterday.  You stare at your watch constantly hoping for lunch time, you then eat, work, and drive home. There, you have dinner, reply to last minute emails, watch some TV, and end up in bed asleep. The very next day, you alertly rise in the morning as your alarm clock bursts into tunes of nuisance noises and irritating melodies. An entire day of your life has passed by, to be exact 86,400 seconds as you followed this routine. You might not have even thought about what you were doing or in the matter by which it was done. Although nothing particularly ‘interesting’ has happened, you've been blessed with another 86,400 seconds. Truth is, there are millions of people worldwide and untold stories of people who could only dream of being in your shoes.

          It was great being young, so naïve of the evils, struggles, and problems that continue to plague mankind. You see, as a child, I knew none of these factors because I was fortunate enough to grow in a good home. However, the more I grew, the less naïve I became. Turn on the news and watch the world around you, and begin to realize the blessed life you are now living, and live it appropriately.

          Violence in the Middle East has spread like a cancerous tumor. It has become this malignant, protruding mass of hostility. It has infected the minds of many, poisoned the hearts of others and has blinded all. It’s become this monstrous creature of animosity, slowly but steadily damaging anything in its path. The Middle East has claimed itself as a Christian free zone and under the ideologies of certain religious regimes; the Christian population has dwindled. Christians, churches, convents and monasteries are being burned to the ground and it’s been brutal. But no where do you see these Christians retaliating. Some might consider this unwise and even “stupid”, but the Christian faith teaches otherwise. It teaches us to open the door of persecution, walk through the fire of trial, never giving up the faith and believing that the will of God will prevail.

          I was born to a Christian family, in a Christian home and was taught to apply the teachings of Christ in my life. As I looked through the images of churches that have been destroyed and the many Christians in the Middle East that have been threatened, my heart sank. But I realized that my beautiful church has been unchanging, unwavering, rigid, and has withstood the test of time as well as numerous trials. She has kept the traditions from the time of the Apostles and has preserved them. You see, the Coptic Church remained very strict in its belief and unlike metal; it did not bend with the heat and conformities of the world. When I thought more about it, I realized that I didn't grow in the church; rather, the church grew in me. I saw it as my safe haven, my hiding place, and in it, I found comfort in distress. As I continued to view the images of burned churches, I no longer saw destruction, for the church that lives in me cannot be destroyed. 

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21

Don't Worry

          I saw him from across the street and read the misery in his eyes as I stood stagnant in the middle of the sidewalk while the commuters pushed against me, fearing that they were going to be late for work.  It was already 8:55AM and I was running late, but I found myself motionless. Thoughts were rushing through my head that the busy streets of New York were muted, sirens were silenced, and the alarms that were once flashing were now dimmed. It was something about this man that moved me. So, I crossed the street and watched him from a distance.

          As I moved closer, I noticed that his shirt was torn, exposing his flesh and wounds. On his left arm was a gaping wound that stretched from his elbow to the tip of his ring finger. The palms of his hands had numerous marks on it; marks of hardships, grief, and distress. Something was telling me to move closer, so I took a few steps closer. I then noticed his aged face and his hazel eyes that were lost in a gaze. I saw his well-defined wrinkles that spread from the side of his left cheek to his chin and I couldn’t help but take an additional few steps closer. What I had previously thought were wrinkles were burn marks that had left a permanent imprint on his face. This man’s body was clothed in wounds.

          I stood there motionless, still observing his state. He began to slowly walk over to a stoop where he sat down and said “thank you dear father”. I was in awe and on a roller coaster ride of emotions. My heart began running a marathon and numerous thoughts were channeling through my mind. I stopped, stood still, and closed my eyes for a second. This man had nothing, but found a way to be thankful.

          When I saw him from across the street and read the misery in his eyes, I immediately considered him in need. However, it is not he who was in need, but rather it was I. It is from this man that I learned a great lesson. He didn’t have a family, a roof on his head, cloth on his back or even the security of knowing that he will eat. To me, it seemed like he had nothing. But what he had I lacked. He had faith that God who takes care of all His creations, will too, take care of him. In nakedness, he felt the warmth of Christ. In struggle, he felt the compassion of a king. In hunger, he was satisfied and filled with thanksgiving. In tribulation he gave thanks and through him, I saw strength through weakness.

           So don’t worry about the problems in life, cast all your burdens on the Lord... He's got it covered!

        “But seek first His kingdom and Hid righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:33-34)